Mobility generally refers to ambulatory or lower extremity activities such as transferring within a room, walking between rooms, or climbing stairs. Your care recipient’s mobility is incredibly important because it affects his or her independence and health. By helping your loved one be as self-mobile as possible, you will help him or her to maintain independence.

In cases where your loved one needs assistance transferring, always be sure to explain what you are doing prior to beginning and while you’re assisting. Additionally, be sure that you are prepared to help transfer your loved one by:

Planning the transfer before you begin

Explaining the transfer to the care recipient

Finding someone to help you if your loved one weighs more than one-fourth your body weight